Microvascular muscle and myocutaneous transplantation models in the rat.

Rat cutaneous free-flap models have received widespread attention, but muscle and myocutaneous free-flap models in the rat are relatively unknown. These latter models are reliable, reproducible, and economical. Survival of the transplanted tissue is dependent on the axial blood supply, with an all-or-none survival pattern. This article is a summary of the anatomy, transplantation characteristics, and potential application of these muscle and myocutaneous free-flap models in the rat.